South Bay

4th of July Fireworks Cruises for Families in LA and OC

Submitted by Martha Hall on Sun, 06/17/2018 - 8:46pm

We landlubbers love our fireworks, don't we? Well, if you think the view from the shore is stunning, try witnessing the spectacle from a boat. That's a holiday memory your kiddos won't soon forget. Several small cruise boats set sail this Independence Day, with 2-3 hour tours to delight you and your first mates. Snuggle on deck under a blanket and watch the sky come alive as the water sparkles below. Read on to find a boat leaving a port near you.

52 FREE Things Kids Can Do in LA this Summer

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 06/08/2018 - 11:56pm

Summer's great, isn't it? So much time, so much to do. All the things that can't be squeezed into the cursedly short time between school, homework, and dinner can be enjoyed at leisure, without stress of school night bedtimes. Summer means not a care in the world—except how to pay for all this frivolity, right? 'Cause we sure aren't getting a whole lot of work done! The answer? Summer freebies. Become an expert on how long your kids can get in free to Southland activities. Hit all the free museum days. And then start working your way down this list of totally free things to do with LA kids over the summer!

Free in June: 28 Things To Do that Don't Cost a Thing

Submitted by Brian Steele on Sun, 06/03/2018 - 5:47am

For kids, nothing beats summer break. But for us parents, it can be a lot of pressure. How do you keep the calendar full without breaking the bank? Luckily, whether you want to stargaze or bike for days, there's a litany of things to do in LA this June on a budget.

These LA Area Swimming Pools Have Extras Worth a Drive this Summer

Submitted by Kathie Bozanich on Thu, 05/31/2018 - 3:30pm

Sure, there are miles and miles of beaches in SoCal, but sometimes you need a break from the sand, and you want water that's a little less, well, wavy. Most of us are willing to go out of our way to find a pool that’s open to the public for recreational swimming and offers something special: Think slides, water play features, extended shallow areas for the little ones to splash in, or a beautiful, peaceful setting. Here’s our list of cool destination pools worth a drive in LA and OC. Most range in price from $1 to $12 per person, and several offer discounted season passes (check websites for details).

13 Los Angeles Day and Overnight Camps with Availability

Submitted by Anna Fader on Tue, 05/29/2018 - 11:02am

As the last day of school breathes down our collective necks, there are those among us who—dare I say it—have not yet figured out summer camp. No shame here; you are among friends. In fact, we'd like to help by showing you great summer camps that all still have space available. Open the map at the bottom of the page to search by location. And remember, we have more camps to peruse in our camp guide and directory!

26 Must-Do Summer Festivals around Los Angeles and Orange County

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 05/28/2018 - 1:48am

What's summer without a good festival? And what's LA without at least 25 of them? We've pulled together more than 25 of the best summer festivals in Los Angeles and Orange County, from June through September. Whether it's celebrating community or something more specific—like salsa or lobster!—fairs and festivals are an essential part of a Southern California summer. Here's our guide to help your family make summer plans to bond over fried food, carnival rides, art, boats, and lots of outdoor music.

10 Stroller-friendly Hiking Trails for LA Parents To Hike with Toddlers

Submitted by Martha Hall on Fri, 05/18/2018 - 8:23pm

If a stroll to the neighborhood park is not enough to stretch your limbs, pack that stroller and head for a trail—preferably one that accommodates said stroller. Backpacking moms can enjoy our suggestions for traditional kid-friendly hikes; back-aching moms should read on to see ten suggestions for LA hikes with room for strollers to stride. We're sure there's one to please! (And for more suggestions, check out our family hiking guide!)

Is that the London Eye in Long Beach? Giant Observation Wheel Visits Queen Mary

Submitted by Toby B on Thu, 05/17/2018 - 3:53pm

Well take a look at that! An Observation Wheel—which is another way of saying a really huge Ferris wheel with a great view—is setting up shop in Long Beach next to the Queen Mary, for one month only. No mere amusement park ride (though we like those very much!), the Observation Wheel offers birds-eye views of the picturesque Long Beach sky line, the majestic Queen Mary, and beyond. This thing is so tall you may be able to spot the buffalo grazing on Catalina Island.

Water Parks Where LA and SoCal Kids Can Get Their Water Slide Fix

Submitted by Audrey M on Sun, 05/13/2018 - 3:10pm

Nothing is more fun on a too-hot day than some water play—just ask the kids. And if you want to give them a big surprise, take them to a water theme park. There are several water parks in Southern California, with large scale splash parks to please every kid from toddler to teen. Of course, if you're looking for something smaller, closer, or more low-key, you can always check out our list of water play features at city parks; but if you're looking to make a big splash, check out one of the SoCal parks below.

12 Very British Experiences in LA for Kids with Royal Fever

Submitted by Rachel Spalding on Fri, 05/11/2018 - 5:35pm

Whether we're getting excited about a royal wedding or just in the mood for a crumpet, it's always jolly good fun to let our inner Anglophiles run wild. After all, the British royal family is poised to include a gal from Los Angeles. Once Prince Harry and Megan Markle are officially hitched, that makes us all members of the extended royal family, so let's have some fun checking out kid-friendly ways to explore English culture (and cuisine) while staying planted right here in town.